Using Quirky Interview Questions to Assess Problem Solving Skills
by Local Skill Staff Relief AgencyTechnical skills are essential for any IT
role, but they only reveal part of the picture. To hire the best talent, you
need to look beyond coding competency and find candidates with strong
problem-solving abilities. This is where quirky interview questions come in.
The Benefits of Quirky Questions
● Allows you to see how job applicants
think on their feet
● Reveals how they break down complex
problems, overcome obstacles, and develop creative solutions
● Provides insight into their analytical
abilities and ingenuity
Examples of Thought-Provoking Questions
"How many golf balls would fit inside
a school bus?" This tests estimation and spatial reasoning skills.
Candidates need to visualize shapes and sizes to come up with a logical answer.
There may not be one definitive solution, but the process used is very telling.
"If you were shrunk to the size of a
penny and dropped in a blender, how would you get out?" This quote-worthy
scenario evaluates how imaginatively and rationally applicants react in absurd
hypothetical situations. There are no right or wrong answers, but it provides
insight into their critical thinking.
"How would you weigh an elephant
without using a scale?" Candidates have to question assumptions and
identify alternative, unconventional approaches. Successful problem-solvers can
think outside the box for workable ideas, like calculating buoyancy or leverage
principles.
"You have a 3 gallon jug and a 5
gallon jug - how do you measure out exactly 4 gallons?" Math riddles like
this test logic and sequential thinking. Applicants may need to walk through
the step-by-step process out loud. The most effective problem-solvers will
systematically work through the variables.
Best Practices for Using Quirky Questions
● Give applicants time to think through their
responses
● Ensure the questions align with
problem-solving ability needed for the role
● Use as a supplement to technical
assessments and other interview techniques
● Focus on the problem-solving process,
not the "right" answer
The Importance of Assessing Problem
Solving Skills
With the rise of AI and automation in
tech, problem-solving skills are more valuable than ever. Quirky questions help
identify the creative, persistent IT talent you want on your team. This
unconventional thinking translates directly into innovation and
solution-finding on the job.
When looking to fill technical roles,
partnering with a specialized IT recruitment agency can make finding top talent
much easier. A recruitment agency that focuses solely on IT and engineering
hiring likely has an existing pipeline of qualified candidates. They also have
the expertise to evaluate both the hard and soft skills needed for these
specialized positions.
Final Thoughts
While quirky questions reveal much about
applicants' thinking, they should never be used as a stand-alone screening
mechanism. Combine them with other interview techniques like technical
assessments, coding challenges, and situational role play. Use them as a
supplement to build a well-rounded view of each candidate. Also, you can take
help of an IT
recruitment agency.
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Created on Feb 7th 2024 09:23. Viewed 85 times.